Two teenagers have survived a seven-storey plunge down the shaft of an old apartment building in Vancouver - thanks to some bags of recycling material.
Vancouver police say the 18-year-old boy and girl were with two other youths who had climbed up to the roof of the building at about 8 p.m. on Canada Day.
Insp. John De Haas said the pair were leaning on what they thought was a solid, shingled portion of the roof when it collapsed, sending them tumbling seven storeys down a narrow shaft.
"What's fortunate for them is that there were bags of recycling that were put there (that) morning at the bottom, and those provided some cushioning," De Haas said.
"They are extremely lucky," he said. "I've seen a lot of things in my career but this one's quite unique."
The pair, who don't live in the building, are recovering from scrapes, cuts and at least one broken bone but are expected to be OK.
De Haas said the landlord of the West End building had secured the roof and it took considerable effort for the four youth to access it.
Police are dealing with the landlord to ensure the shaft, and possibly two others, is properly secured. (CKNW, The Canadian Press)